Association between perceived social support and physical activity level of alzheimer family caregivers

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundFamily caregiving in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has been associated with a variety of negative psychological and social processes, including social isolation. Besides, it has been shown that the caregiver’s physical activity level is one of the factors associated with the burden of care. The negative impact of physical inactivity on general health status is well established. This study aimed was investigate relationship between social support and caregiver’s physical acitivity level.MethodsParticipants’ working‐caregiving status and functional independency of their patients was recorded. Physical activity level was assessed with Rapid Physical Activity Assessment (RAPA). Percieved Social Support Questionnary (PSSQ) was used for evaluating of social support. Statistical analysis was performed by Spearman correlation analysis in SPSS 22.0 package program.ResultsAmong the 59 participants 88.4% were female and mean age was 54.83±11.9 years. Caregiver’s demographics presented in Table 1. There was a significant correlation was found between RAPA and PPSQ (p = .015, rho = .321). According to RAPA results, 6.7% respondents were reported have no physical activity, 66.7% were underactive, and 13% were active.ConclusionsOur study was demonstrated that most of the caregivers were physically underactive. Supportive social environment was found related with caregivers physical activity level. It is necessary to be aware of the potential health risks not only for people with AD but also for caregivers. Caregivers should be encouraged to be physically active considering the positive effects on physical and mental health. Policy makers should develop strategies that support caregivers, taking into account all the components that are affect them physically, socially and psychologically.